Ladder



y 1940- J. w. RICHARbsQN 2,208,472

LADDER Filed Nov. 1, 1939 J Inventor PatentedJuly 16, 1940 UNITED. STATES I LADDER. John W. Richardson, Utlca, N. Y.

Application November 1, 1939, Serial No. 302,429 3 Claims. (Cl. 228-29) The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in ladders for use particularly in working on vehicle bodies although it will be understood, of course, that the device may be 5 used for any purpose for which it may be found adapted and desirable.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a ladder of the aforementioned character which may be placed closely adjacent the work but which is self sustaining and, therefore, does not have to be leaned against the work.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide a novel construction and arrangement whereby the device may be conveniently used either as a step or straight ladder.

Other objects of the invention areto provide a ladder of the character described which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, highly efiicient and reliable in use, compact, light in weight and which may be manufactured at low cost.

All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a ladder constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation thereof.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a pair of side rails I of wood or any other suitable material. Mounted between the side rails I are spaced steps 2. Mounted on the upper ends of the side rails I is a platform 3. A pad or cushion l of suitable material is provided on the rear edge of the platform 3.

The reference numeral 5 designates a pair of supporting props havingone end portion pivotally secured, as at 6, on the outer sides of the rails I at an intermediate point on said rails. Mounted transversely on the rear edges of the rails I is a stop 'I in the form of a bar-which positively limits the swinging movement of the props 5 toward open or operative position. The end portions of the stop bar I project beyond the rails I for engagement by the props 5.

Extending between the props 5, in spaced relation to the free ends thereof, is a combination brace and stop 8. The member 8 is engageable beneath the lower ends of the side rails I when scope of the invention as claimed.

the props 5 are in folded position. as suggested in dotted lines in Fig. 1 of the drawing.

Mounted on the upper portion of one of the side rails I is a pair of vertically aligned eyes 9. Adjustably and removably mounted in the eyes 9 5 is a post III. Mounted on the upper end of the post I0 is a tray II for the reception of various articles. A set screw I2 in one of the eyes 9 secures the post I0 in adjusted position.

In Fig. 1 of the drawing, a lower side portion 10 of a vehicle body is indicated in dotted lines, as at I3. The reference numeral I4 designates a running board on the vehicle. It will be observed that the construction and arrangement of the ladder is such that it may be mounted closely ad- 15 jacent the vehicle body without necessarily resting thereagainst, the supporting props 5 being pivotally connected to the side rails I at sulficiently low points to permit said props to project under the running board and body of the vehicle. 20 As hereinbefore stated, the props 5 bear upwardly against the projecting end portions of the stop I when said props are in unfolded position. When the props 5 are in folded position the device may be used as a straight ladder, said props consti- 25 tuting extensions for the side rails I and carrying the entire weight of the ladder.

It will be observed that the length of the props 5 from the pivots 5 to the free ends thereof is greater than that of the lower portions of the side rails I from said pivots 6 to the lower ends of said rails. When the props 5 are in folded position the lower ends of the side rails I rest on the member 5. Thus, a structure of great strength and rigidity is had when the device is being used as a straight ladder.

It is believed that the many advantages of a ladder constructed in accordance with the present invention will be readily understood and although a preferred embodiment of the device is as illustrated and described, it is to be understood that changes in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to which will fall Within the What is claimed is:

1. A ladder comprising a pair of side rails, steps mounted on said side rails, a pair of supporting props having one end portion pivotally 50 secured to the side rails at points intermediate the ends of said side rails, said props being foldable to positions substantially parallel with the side rails, and a member extending between the props and engageable beneath the lower ends of u said side rails, a platform mounted on the upper ends of the side rails, a pair of supporting props having one end portion pivotallysecured to the siderails' at points intermediate the ends of said side rails. a bar mounted transversely onthe side rails and having its end portions projecting laterally therebeyond, theend portions of said bar being engageable with the props and constituting stops for positively limiting the swinging movement of said props toward unfolded position, said props being foldable to positions substantially parallel with the respective side rails, and a bar.

extending between the props and engageable beneath the lower ends of the side rails when said props are in folded position; the second named bar being spaced from the free ends of the props, the pivoted end portions of said props also being engageable with the first named bar when said props are in folded position.

3. A ladder comprising a pair of side rails, a pair of supporting props pivotally mounted on said side rails and foldable to a position substantially parallel therewith, and stop means on the props spaced from the free ends thereof and en- ,g'egeable beneath the lower ends of the side rails when said props are in folded position.

- JOHN W. RICHARDSON. 

